Which type of reference source is defined as a geographical dictionary containing an alphabetical listing of places, features, and their locations?

### Why this is right A **gazetteer** is a geographical reference work: it lists place names and geographical features, usually alphabetically, and gives information about where they are. The question’s definition matches that kind of source, rather than a reference organized around dates, annual events, or people and organizations. ### The concept A geographical feature is a natural or human-made part of the Earth, such as a river, mountain, or town. A gazetteer helps you identify such a feature and locate it, often using descriptive information or map references. Other reference sources may also contain facts, but they are organized to answer different kinds of questions. The table shows the main distinction. | Source | What it is mainly used for | |---|---| | Gazetteer | Finding places and geographical features and information about their locations | | Almanac | Looking up calendar information and selected facts or statistics | | Yearbook | Reviewing events and developments from a particular year | | Directory | Finding people, organizations, or services and their details | ### The other options - **B. Almanac**: An almanac gathers calendar information and selected facts or statistics. It may include geographical facts, but it is not specifically an alphabetical dictionary of places and their locations. - **C. Yearbook**: A yearbook records events or developments from a particular year. Its focus is the year’s record, not locating places. - **D. Directory**: A directory lists people, organizations, or services, often with contact details. It is tempting because it is an organized list, but it does not primarily list geographical features and their locations. ### Watch out Several reference sources are arranged as lists, so focus on what the list helps you find: places point to a gazetteer, while people or organizations point to a directory. ### Terms - **Gazetteer**: A geographical dictionary that lists place names and features and gives information about their locations. - **Almanac**: A reference book or publication containing calendar information and selected facts or statistics. - **Yearbook**: A publication that records events or developments from a particular year. - **Directory**: A list of people, organizations, or services, often with identifying or contact details. - **Geographical feature**: A natural or human-made part of the Earth, such as a river, mountain, or town. ### Remember If a reference source helps you find a place and where it is, think **gazetteer**.